Rural Routes to Main Street Adds 7 New Destinations in 2018

Traveling to a new area can be exciting; yet planning the trip can be overwhelming. Time is usually limited, so of course, visiting the best local shops/restaurants/attractions remains of utmost importance. Often, "the best" or "most popular" destinations require an insider's knowledge of the area.

That is where the Rural Routes to Main Street Cultural Trail comes in handy. If you are planning a visit to Central Indiana and want to experience our uniqueness and culture, this self-guided trail offers almost 40 destinations throughout Hendricks, Morgan, and Putnam counties. From DIY craft studios to craft breweries and amazing arts to mouthwatering eats, this cultural trail boasts destinations for all interests!

Stops along the three-county trail represent some of the best hidden gems that make or sell handmade goods. For a complete list of destinations, download or pick up the 2018 Cultural Trail Guidebook.

The guidebook provides a detailed map of all stops while dividing them into three categories for ease of planning your day, weekend or week-long visit. It also includes a brief description of each destination with its address, phone number, website (if applicable) and hours of operation.

Basically, Visit Hendricks County and its partners have done the work for you. You just have to grab a group of friends or your family, the guidebook and explore.

Today's post focuses on the seven new destinations that have been added to the trail in 2018. A brief description of each follows.

Bisque Barn Pottery Paint Studio (Avon)

Walk-ins are welcome in this DIY Studio. Create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in this relaxing atmosphere.

Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop (North Salem)

The only returnee to the trail after a brief hiatus, Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop is a wonderful, family-owned business with three stores in one. They offer a full-service flower shop, a huge variety of vintage items and a boutique for women's clothing and accessories.

I stopped in on Valentine's Day to pick out last minute gifts for my daughters, so it was supposed to be a quick trip. However, I was a little distracted by all the vintage items, paintings/artwork by local artists and hand-crafted jewelry. If you plan on visiting, schedule extra time to peruse all the interesting offerings.

Brew Link Brewing (Plainfield)

Brew Link Brewing, in the heart of downtown Plainfield, offers 16 high quality beers on tap. The staff is very knowledgable about the beers and will guide you based on your tastes.

Their beers have a uniqueness about them. My favorite is the Ivory White Stout. It has all the strong stout flavors you would expect but looks like a blonde ale.

I love IPAs and can't wait to try the Pretty Awkward IPA-Orange Cream Milkshake. The combination of beer with a milkshake texture sounds amazing.

If you are a craft beer lover, this is the perfect stop! Enjoy the cozy atmosphere in the tap room, and if you come hungry, a special menu from neighboring CJ's Pizza is offered and delivered directly to your table.

Hilltop Orchids (Cloverdale)

Want to experience a true hidden gem? Hilltop Orchids might just be the place. With little fanfare, this new addition to the trail is the largest orchid grower in Indiana and has won more than 75 national awards.

Owners Dick and Sandy Wells strive to help guests gain knowledge and confidence to grow orchids. They offer wholesale and retail sales of plants, seedlings, accessories and more.

If you have an interest in growing orchids or want to improve your knowledge, you've found the right place.

Wasser Brewing Company (Greencastle)

Wasser Brewing Company, a locally owned craft brewery and brewpub, sits within walking distance of DePauw University. The owners purchased the Old Napa Building in 2015 and have renovated and restored the space to create an amazing brewery with a dining room, bar and outdoor seating to accommodate many guests.

Wasser Brewing Company's menu focuses on locally sourced foods and consists of small plates, sandwiches, salads and entrees. If you enjoy fish tacos, be sure to try this entree.

Local beer, tasty food and relaxing atmosphere makes for an enjoyable stop along the Cultural Trail.

Richard E. Peeler Art Center at DePauw University (Greencastle)

The Peeler Art Center hosts approximately 10 exhibitions annually within 3 large galleries. Exhibitions range from shows that feature the work of current students and faculty to traveling national/international exhibitions. Check out current, traveling and upcoming exhibitions here.

The Peeler Art Center is open to the public and is free to enter year round except during university breaks and holidays.

Second Saturdays

The Rural Routes to Main Street Cultural Trail kicks it up a notch on the second Saturday of every month. Some destinations offer special events, such as artistic demonstrations and hands-on activities. Others open their doors to the public only on second Saturdays, such as the Hendricks County Historical Museum.

Author: Beth Fife

Beth is a stay-at-home mom living in Pittsboro who works part time in the restaurant industry. In her spare time, she loves to run and started running races in spring of 2014. Beth completed her first half marathon in 2015 and plans on completing many more.